Chapter 34.4, Problem 12SAQ

Summary Introduction

To determine:

That why an interneuron is needed to provide reciprocal inhibition of the flexor muscle when an extensor muscle is activated.

Introduction:

Flexor and extensor are skeletal muscles whose functions are associated with the joint movement. These two muscles are alternatively activated and relaxed at different times which allow the contraction or activation of one while other is relaxed or inhibited. This pattern of joint movement is done by reciprocal inhibition.

Reciprocal inhibition is a process by which the activation of opposing set of muscles takes place. Due to which one set of muscle is inhibited while other is activated that allows the movement of joints.